MP for Droitwich, Peter Luff, has spoken of his surprise after excerpts taken from a speech he made to party activists was turned into a story knocking the Conservatives by a pro-Labour Party national newspaper.
The Mid-Worcestershire MP's comments at the election of Harriet Baldwin, to fight for retiring Tory Sir Michael Spicer's West Worcestershire seat, was used in the Daily Mirror on Wednesday, July 26. However, the Daily Mirror interpreted his speech as him admitting the party is not fit to run the country.
The story claimed Mr Luff said the selection of women and ethnic minority candidates is 'all image'. Mr Luff said of the report: "This is a ridiculous story and was taken totally out of context. My confidence in national tabloid journalism has hit a new low."
At the meeting he told 200 party members that Conservatives have obstacles to overcome - the most important being the way the public perceives them.
He said: "Women in particular - who used to support us in large numbers - have turned away from us. We are still not trusted to be able to govern modern Britain."
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